Conversations with Lizzie Clark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lizzie Clark. 

Hi Lizzie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised in Nashville, TN (a unicorn, I know), I began dancing at the age of three and never looked back. My first love was ballet and had the opportunity to train under some of the best in the south. While training with the Middle Tennessee State dance company, I began to fall in love with contemporary and modern movement. This ignited the development of my choreographic style, which combines the two with my technical background. While I have had the opportunity to perform, educate, and choreograph worldwide, I love teaching and inspiring the next generation of artists. I am very passionate about encouraging each dancer to create from his/her story and to find a deeper sense of self-worth through movement. 

(Some of Lizzie’s credits include works airing on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, Brett Young, Little Big Town, and performing with CirqueDreams. She also creates and develops dance curricula for middle school public education after-school dance programs under the umbrella of the non-profit Fine Arts Matter. She also teaches open classes at Millennium Dance Complex Nashville. Lizzie feels extremely blessed to be a voice of influence and encouragement as she continues to judge for multiple competitions, perform, teach, and choreograph!) 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
When I was a senior in high school, I was in a life-threatening bicycle accident. I ran into a tree and the handlebar punctured my groin muscle. The doctors had never seen a similar accident and didn’t know what the healing process would entail. It was really scary for me because there was a potential, I wouldn’t be able to dance again. Luckily, I was only out for about 2 months with minimal long-term damage. While that was an extremely hard season of my life, going through it made me realize my worth wasn’t rooted in my career (I am a BIG perfectionist), and to enjoy the gift of dance and appreciate my body in a healthy way. I think this realization changed my perspective on art! 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a dancer, teacher, and choreographer I wear multiple hats. 

When I wear my teacher hat, I am most proud of my students when they push themselves past their limits, are vulnerable with their emotions, and treat others and themselves with love and respect. I don’t ever care if they are the best, I care that they are a better version of themselves when they walk into my class the next time. I fully acknowledge that some of my students won’t want to have a professional career in dance, but I want them to grow up and appreciate the art while recognizing that dance helped shape them in same way or form. 

I love collaborating with artists and helping tell their story in an authentic way. I think choreography and dance should add to the emotion and vision subtly and beautifully. I’m passionate about there being a connection in each move that the audience can feel a response to. There is something so magical in seeing the final product of a project after the many hours of rehearsal!

I also teach dance to a number of amazing young men and women each week. I love being a voice of influence in their life and don’t take the opportunity I have to mentor, encourage, and instruct them each week for granted. I truly love what I do and who I get to do it with!

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Covid hit the arts community really hard. We all taught classes from our living rooms, danced in small squares, hyperventilated from wearing masks while dancing, and much more. I could talk about the negative for a long time, but I really like to focus on the positive. 

I learned the value of relationships, meeting others where they are at, and how to fight for my passions. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://lizzieqclark.com/
• Instagram: lizzieqclark
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK9l26krxoeeslzGk2xUamw

Image Credits:
Bree Fish